Similarities and Differences in Male- and Female-Dominated Criminal Acts: Motivation, Types, and Risks
Introduction
Criminal activity is one of modern society’s most challenging and complex issues. Especially if it concerns the distinction between male and female-dominated crime acts; this is because previously, due to the lack of research on this topic, there was an opinion that only men were capable of this kind of action as they constituted the majority of incarcerated people; however, at the moment, this predisposition is characterized for both genders. Therefore, it can be suggested that female-dominated and male-dominated criminal acts are similar and different in such aspects as motivation, types of criminal activity, and risk factors.
Comparison of Female- and Male-Dominated Crimes
Gang Behavior
First, it is necessary to determine that female-dominated and male-dominated criminal acts are particularly strongly influenced by such aspects as social, economic, and cultural factors. One of the similarities can be seen in how both genders behave within gangs as they show their strength and power.
A documentary about female gang crime shows that women often join groups to acquire recognition and show their equality with men (Crime Documentary Films, 2016). This can be called a manifestation of the struggle for equal rights between the sexes. At the same time, men also join criminal groups because of the desire to show their strength and capabilities. In this case, the primary tool is the fear that individuals instill in others to gain power.
Linda Calvey, also called the Black Widow and an ex-gang leader, talked about the unique characteristics of females who become gangsters. In her case, the motivation for breaking the law was the desire to avenge the murder of her husband, who was also involved in criminal activity. Therefore, she continued to rob banks and became the gang’s leader.
Based on this example, it is confirmed that female-dominated criminal acts are most often committed because of revenge or a desire to survive. As noted in the video by LADbible TV (2022), the motivation for men-dominated criminal acts can be the desire to gain success and financial stability, and the only way to achieve this is through committing a crime. This shows some differences in the motivation by which people decide to engage in deviant behavior.
Crime Types
Another area in which both similarities and differences can be distinguished is the types of crimes committed by men and women. Hence, both men and women are capable of committing particularly violent and minor criminal offenses, such as theft, robbery, or violent crimes. Statistics show that more violent and serious crimes are more often committed by men, while women are more prone to non-violent crimes such as fraud or prostitution (Thompson, 2021).
The risk of committing a crime is equally high for both men and women, which is a similarity in both gender-dominated criminal acts. Certain risk factors, such as poverty, lack of education, and exposure to violence, can increase the likelihood of criminal behavior in both men and women. Moreover, regarding the risk, both genders are exposed to the possibility of being killed or seriously injured and imprisoned.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when studying the topic of female-dominated and male-dominated criminal acts, both significant similarities and differences can be identified. Therefore, such areas as motivation, risks, and types of crimes are leading in this aspect. It is noted that men, like women, tend to resort to deviant behavior because of the desire to gain power; however, more often, women are driven by feelings such as revenge. At the same time, both genders are characterized by the same degree of risk and methods of committing criminal activity.
References
Crime Documentary Films. (2016). Female gang crime: Most dangerous females [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Thompson, K. (2020). Gender and crime statistics. Revise sociology. Web.
LADbible TV. (2022). London’s most notorious female gangster on her life of crime | Minutes with [Video]. YouTube. Web.